Pharmacy Assistant

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Consistent with Marchese Mission, Principles and Core Values, Strategic Directions and Annual Operating Objectives, the Lead Pharmacy Assistant (Dispensary) is responsible for the following key accountabilities:

Drug Distribution:

• Promote safe and effective drug distribution by receiving, gathering, entering and storing prescriptions and patient information so that this information can be accessed and retrieved readily
• Confirm patient identity; gather demographics, health history, allergies, medication use and third party payment information
• Assess all prescriptions for clarity, completeness, authenticity and legal requirements
• Assess prescriptions to determine priority of processing, interpret prescriptions including abbreviations, numerals and symbols, perform pharmacy calculations, ensure prescription information is recorded accurately on patient file and alert the pharmacist of any potential drug therapy related problems (if applicable)
• Select appropriate products by applying knowledge of brand and generic names, dosage form, drug interchangeability etc.
• Ensure the integrity, stability, and sterility of products by checking expiry dates, colour, odour etc.
• Prepare products in a manner that ensures patient safety through the accuracy and quality of the product
• Count and fill prescriptions for checking by pharmacist or pharmacy technician
• Notify pharmacist for any changes in the drug or dosage
• Confirm patients have been provided with consultation from the pharmacist when the pharmacist is required to counsel or has indicated a concern, a concern has been recognized by the pharmacy technician or the patient has indicated a concern
• Document all aspects of the drug distribution activities
• Assist patients with in-pharmacy testing on diagnostic monitors and blood pressure machines if required
• Assist in billing and reconciliation issues
• Comply with legal requirements including federal and provincial legislation, policies, by-laws and standards applicable to pharmacy practice including standards related to patient confidentiality, scope of practice, health and safety etc.

Inventory Control

• Contribute to the implementation of safe and effective systems of drug supply and distribution and follow company policies and procedures
• Determine and maintain inventory requirements sufficient for patient safety and efficient operations including preparing and placing orders for stock and supplies, acquiring, receiving, storing
• Identify, report and remove defective, unsafe or recalled products and dispose of expired or unusable products according to legislative requirements

Communication & Customer Service:

• Communicate effectively with patients, pharmacists and other health care team members, and educate, where appropriate, in order to support optimal patient care and well being
• Be accountable to patients by involving them in decision making, advocating on their behalf, respecting their right to make their own choices and considering patient-specific circumstances.

Collaborate to Meet Patient Health Care Goals and Outcomes

• Develop collaborative relationships with pharmacists and other health care providers in order to promote patient health and wellness
• Make expertise available to others, share relevant information and contribute to reaching mutual goals and objectives
• Demonstrate professionalism in the role by accepting responsibility and accountability for actions, seeking guidance from a pharmacist when needed, seek out and use appropriate resources
• Engage in continuing professional development by assessing own learning needs, developing a plan to meet learning needs, seek and evaluate learning opportunities to enhance practice and incorporate all learning into day to day practice

Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Formal pharmacy assistant education/training preferred
• Compounding and/or blister packaging experience an asset
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills and initiative